Reusable panel and form system for concrete construction



y 23, 1963 I J. R. WILLIAMS 3,385,555

REUSABLE PANEL AND FORM SYSTEM FOR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION Filed Aug. 23,1965 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 ISI INVENTOR. JOHN R. WILLIAMS BY J M 3L W IATTORNEYS y 968 J. R. WILLIAMS 3,385,555

REUSABLE PANEL AND FORM SYSTEM FOR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION 3 Sheets-Sheet2 Filed Aug. 23. 1965 5 m M T R NM 0 EL- T Vnm T WW A v m 0 J Y B J 1 mm 0 l u a a 4 E 5 x .k a 4? m B I M May 28, 1968 J. R. WILLIAMS REUSABLEPANEL AND FORM SYSTEM FOR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 FiledAug. 23. 1965 INVENTOR. JOHN R WILLIAMS ATTORNEYS United States Patent3,385,555 REUSABLE PANEL AND FORM SYSTEM FUR CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION JohnR. Williams, 2345 Darwin St., Hayward, Calif. 94545 Filed Aug. 23, 1965,Ser. No. 481,830 17 Claims. (Cl. 249-192) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Aform system utilizing a plurality of panels. Each panel includes a metalframe having a flange against which the panel facing is secured. A webextends normally from the flange inwardly of the peripheral outer edgeof the flange. Cooperating latch members are secured to the outersurfaces of the web, and when two panels are brought into adjacentcoplanar relationship, the latch members will be placed in contiguousrelationship. A resilient lock element is then passed through themembers and their associated webs for securing the panels together.

This invention generally relates to the art of pouring concrete, and ismore particularly directed to a form system employing reusable panelsformed principally of metal.

There has heretofore been developed a wide variety of modular panelswhich are adapted to be secured together in various ways to provide aform system for the pouring of concrete. As is Well known in the art, inthe pouring of concrete walls or the like, forms are constructed frommodular panels, and such panels are adapted to be secured together ingenerally planar relationship to form one side of the wall, with acorresponding structure to provide the other side of the wall.Thereafter, the concrete mix is poured in the space between the twostructures and permitted to harden. After the concrete has become formretaining, the forms are removed by stripping the individual panels fromopposite sides of the wall.

In connection with the above type of operation and system there has alsobeen developed various types of reusable panels, but it has been foundthat in most instances such panels have not been able to withstand theabuse given to such devices and/or possess other disadvantageousfeatures which have prevented their widespread acceptance.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a formsystem for concrete in which the individual modules or panels are soconstructed as to permit their use over an extended period of time on anumber of different jobs without requiring undue repair or otherattention.

Another object of this invention is to provide a modular type of formsystem as above described in which novel means are provided for securingadjacent panels together, and in which such panels may be secured toadjacent panels along a number of spaced points along the length orwidth thereof with a minimum number of parts.

A further object of this invention is to provide a form system as abovedescribed in which a single module or panel may be removed from anerected form system without disturbing or interfering with the locationand position of any adjacent panel.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a modular panel asabove described which is light in weight, yet stronger than conventionalpanels, and which eliminates a large amount of hardware usually employedin connection with the erection of the form.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a form system as abovedescribed in which the face of the panel against which the concrete ispoured is caused to 3,385,555 Patented May 28, 1968 be brought intopositive planar alignment with corresponding faces of adjacent panels soas to insure a smooth continuous concrete wall upon setting of theconcrete mass.

A further object of my invention is to provide apparatus of the abovetype in which novel lock members are provided for securing adjacentpanels together, and in which the lowermost, uppermost, or laterallyoutermost panel in the system may be readily and selectively moved oradjusted relative to a horizontal or vertical surface and positioned andsecured relative thereto without the use of shims, wedges or the like.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a panel as abovedescribed in which different size panels may be secured together andstill attain the hereinabove described benefits.

Another object of the invention is to provide a panel of the typedescribed which is constructed to facilitate stripping of the panel andin which the peripheral edges of the panel faces extend beyond thenormally related stiffening portions of the panel so that an accessiblespace is created along the edges of each panel in which the fasteningmeans, reinforcing means or other connectors can be positioned.

A still further object of the invention is to provide an improvedarrangement for securing opposed panels together with the use of tierods or the like.

The invention possesses other objects and features of advantage, some ofwhich, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the followingdescription of the preferred form of the invention which is illustratedin the drawings accompanying and forming part of the specification. Itis to be understood, however, that variations in the show-, ing made bythe said drawings and description may be adopted within the scope of theinvention as set forth in the claims.

Referring to said drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view of a portion of a form system inwhich one of the panels is completely shown as supported on a pair ofspaced piers or the like.

FIGURE 2 is a typical end elevational view of the panel shown in FIGURE1.

FIGURE 3 is an exploded side elevational view, partly in cross section,of portions of the locking or latching mechanism for securing adjacentpanels together.

FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view taken substantially in the planeindicated by line 4-4 of FIGURE 1, and showing a pair of panels securedtogether.

FIGURE 5 is a cross sectional view taken in the plane indicated by line55 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a cross sectional view taken in the plane indicated by line6-6 of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 7 is an end view of a panel supporting member, taken in the planeindicated by line 7-7 of FIG- URE l, and on an enlarged scale.

FIGURE 8 is a view taken in the plane indicated by line 8-8 of FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 is an elevational view illustrating the use of a structuralreinforcing member on the panels.

FIGURE 10 is a cross sectional view generally taken in the planeindicated by line 10-10 of FIGURE 9.

FIGURE 11 is a front elevational view of a portion of a form systemutilizing the panels and locking mechanism of the present invention.

FIGURE 12 is a vertical cross sectional view taken substantially in theplane indicated by line 12-12 of FIGURE 11 on an enlarged scale andillustrating the means for tying opposed forms together.

FIGURE 13 is a across sectional end view taken substantially in theplane indicated by line 13-13 of FIG- URE 12, but with the tie rodassembly removed.

FIGURE 14 is an enlarged view of a typical corner assembly and the meansfor connecting the angularly related forms.

Before discussing the details of the panel in any detail, it should bepointed out that while in most instances the panels as well as theintegrated form system constructed from such panels would be disposed ina vertical position as shown in the drawings, in some instances suchpanels could equally well be used in a horizontal or inclined positionwhet-her as a form for a horizontal slab or otherwise. Accordingly wherethe terms are used in this application with directional orientation, itshould be understood that up and down or vertical and horizontal areonly relative terms and intended to be used herein for the purpose ofexplanation of the structure as illustrated in the drawing rather thanas potential limiting terms for which the structure might be used.

As hereinabove mentioned, the instant apparatus comprises a form systemgenerally designated by the numeral 26 in which a plurality ofindividual panels are used. As will be later made more clear, it is notessential that all of the panels be of the same size, although as shownin most of the drawings, such panels are four feet by four feet in size.As will later be more fully explained, the panels can likewise bearranged in multiples of l or 2 feet, for example, so that the loweredges of two adjacent panels might be generally coplanar while the upperedge of the smaller panel merely bisects a median point of the largerpanel.

The construction of the individual panels or modules themselvesconstitutes an important part of the present invention. It will berecalled that one of the features of the invention was the reusabilityof the panels as well as the superior strength characteristics thereof.Accordingly, each panel is preferably constructed of a metal frame ofgenerally Z-shaped cross sectional form. As best shown in FIGURES 1, 2and 4 of the drawings, each panel frame consists of a pair of side rails28 and 29, a top rail 31, and a bottom rail 32. All of sue-h rails areformed of aluminum or other lightweight structural material possessingsubstantial strength, and are welded or otherwise secured together attheir abutting corners to provide the rectangular configuration shown inFIGURE 1. In cross section, each rail includes a web portion 36, anouter flange 37 and an inner flange 38 so as to provide the Z-shapedcross sectional configuration above mentioned. The distal end of flange38 is preferably provided with a normally related extension 39 disposedin parallel offset relation to the web 36 and whose function will bepresently explained. The metal frame of the respective panels alsoincludes a number of horizontally extending auxiliary bracing rails 41welded or otherwise secured to the side rail members 28 and 29. Thesecondary rail members 41 likewise have a cross sectional configurationwhich include outer flanges 42 disposed in planar relationship with theouter flanges 37 of the respective main frame rail members and innerflanges coplanar with the inner flanges 38 of the main rails. At thistime, it may be appropriate to explain the use of the term inner andouter as relating to the flanges or other portions of the structure.Where the term inher is used herein, it is intended to refer to theportion of the structure adjacent the concrete which is to be poured,whereas the term outer refers to the portion of the structure moreremote from the concrete.

The aforesaid frame, due to its metal construction and the arrangementof bracing and cross sectional form possesses substantial strength, andsuch strength is further enhanced by the provision of facing 46 againstwhich the concrete is to be poured and which is secured to the innerflanges 38 of the frame. As is customary with most panels, the facing 46is preferably formed from sheets of plywood 47 having an outer face 48and an inner face 49. The outer face 48 of the facing is adapted to bepositioned against the exposed surfaces of flanges 38 as well as againstthe corresponding flanges of the reinforcing rails 41, and may besecured thereto in any suitable manner such as adhesive, rivets or otherfastening devices. As best illustrated in FIGURE 4 of the drawings,where the extension 39 is utilized, the edges 51 of the plywood willabut the adjacent portion of such extension, but where the extension isnot utilized the plywood would be extended so as to have the edge 51thereof terminate in coterminous relation with the distal edge of flange38. It is important to note for reasons which will be hereinafterexplained, that the plywood extends laterally beyond the web portion 35of the various rails so that a space is provided adjacent each web.

If desired, the innermost surface 49 of the plywood sheets or facing 46can constitute the surface against which the concrete is poured, but inorder that the form will be subjected to a minimum of wear, a metal skin56 may be bonded or otherwise secured to the face 49, and as seen inFIGURE 4 such skin terminates in overlying relationship to the edge ofextension 39.

From the foregoing description of the frame and facing, it will beappreciated that the same is extremely rugged in construction so as tonot only resist wear and tear and thereby permit repeated uses, butlikewise sufficiently strong so as to permit a high concrete pour ratewithout undue deflection when assembled in a form systern.

One of the important features of the present invention resides in themanner in which adjacent panels may be conveniently and readily securedtogether in such manner as will result in the adjacent inner skins orplywood faces being disposed in coplanar relationship as best seen inFIGURES 4 and 12 of the drawings. It will also be made clear that thelocking mechanism and latching devices for securing such panels togetheris at all times accessible, so that even after an entire wall has beenconstructed with a plurality of such panels, an intermediate panel canbe removed and replaced should the need or occasion arise. Also, thelatch mechanism is such as will permit rapid and simple release of thesame when the forms are being stripped from the erected and the then setconcrete wall or the like.

The securing means of the present invention generally consists of a pairof complementary latch members 61 and 62 and a spring loaded lockelement 63 for releasably securing the latch members together. Thecomplementary latch members are arranged in such manner on the webs 36of the panels so that when the panels are brought into adjacentrelationship, i.e. with the edges confronting each other so as to erecta generally unitary planar structure, the complementary latch members,on the respective panels will be brought into confronting relationshipand permit the lock element 63 to secure the same together. Preferablythe latch members are formed as integral parts of the web 36 and as bestseen in FIGURE 2 of the drawings, it is the exposed peripheral edgeportion of web 36 which carries such members. It will likewise be notedthat whereas one end portion of each rail bears the latch member 61 onits web 36, the complementary latch member 62 is provided adjacent theother end portion of such rail. Likewise, in going around the main framemembers, the latch members alternate. Thus, the latch member on rail 31closest adjacent to the latch member 61 on rail 29 would be a latchmember 62. This alternate arrangement of latch members is provided sothat irrespective of the positioning of the panels, adjacent panels willalways present confronting latch members which may be secured together.

Each of the latch members has its inner edge abutting its respectiverail flange 38 and its exposed surface or face coterminous with the endof such flange. The outermost edge 66 of each of the latch membersterminates inwardly of the flanges 37. It will also be noted that thelatch members extend along the rails for only a relatively shortdistance.

Referring first to latch member 62, the same will be seen to comprise agenerally rectangular block 65 having its exposed face 67 lying in thesame plane as the peripheral edge of extension 39, or the distal edge offlange 38. The block 65 is provided with normally related slotsdesignated at 68 and 69 extending completely therethrough from its face67. The slot 68 extends along the length of the web 36 while the slot 69extends transversely thereto. A complementary slot 71 is provided in web36 in alignment with and of the same configuration as slot 69. By virtueof the intersection of slot 68 and 69 and the provision of slot 71 inthe web 36, there is provided on the block supporting surface of theweb, a pair of seats 72 on opposite sides of the slot 69 and at thebottom of slot 68. The purpose of this seat will he presently explained.It will also be noted that one portion of the block extending towardsthe closest corner of the frame is provided with a generally rectangulargroove 76 and on the other edge of the groove the outer face of theblock 65 is depressed below the level of the surface 67 as indicated at77, all for pruposes to be hereinafter explained. Reference may now behad to latch member 61 which likewise consists of a block 81 having aslot 82 provided therein with such slot extending longitudinally of theWeb 36 and in general alignment with slot 68 of the other latch member.A complementary aligned slot 83 is provided in the adjacent web portion.As in the case of latch member 62, latch member 61 is also provided witha rectangular notch 84 extending transversely of the length of the railadjacent its closest end with a depressed portion 86 on the other sideof the notch 84.

As will be understood, when two panels are brought into adjacentedgewise relationship, complementary latch members 61 and 62 willlikewise be brought into confronting relationship with an exposed face88 of latch 61 brought into contiguous relationship with the exposedface 67 of latch 62. The notches 76 and 84 will likewise be aligned toprovide a recess having an opening thereto defined by the opposeddepressed face portions 77 and 86 of the respective latches so as toprovide a generally T-shaped slot as best shown in FIGURE 14. It willalso be noted that when the latch members are brought together as aboveexplained, the slots 68 and 82 will be aligned as will the correspondingslot portions 71 and 83 of the adjacent web portions. With the slots sopositioned, the lock member for securing the latches, and consequentlythe panels together, may then be actuated to effect .the lockingoperation.

The lock means 63 generally comprises a stud 91 having a threaded endportion 92 at one end thereof. The other end of the stud is providedwith a lug 93 having a configuration corresponding to but of a size asto permit its entry into the respective slots 68, 69, 82 and thecorresponding slots 71 and 83 on the web.

Threadedly engaged with the stud portion 92 is an adjustment nut 94whose outermost limit of travel is governed by a stop nut 96 which isset in fixed position on the stud by a pin 97 or otherwise secured tothe stud. The nut 94 is provided with a sleeve portion 98 which isfreely rotatable on the stud 91. A plate 99 having a central aperture ispositioned on the stud subjacent the lug 93, and a spring 101 isinterposed between a washer 102 supported on nut 94 and the opposedsurface of plate 99 thereby urging the plate 99 against the lowersurface of the lug as the same is viewed in FIGURE 3 of the draw ings.The plate may be provided with alignment holes 104 which are adapted toengage alignment pins 105 or screws which extend outwardly from web 36on the opposite side from its block 65*.

In order .to secure the members together and thereby lock the panels inposition, the latch member 62 is adapted to carry the lock key 63 asfollows. The lug 93 is inserted through the slot 71 of the web and theslot 69 of the block. The apertures 104 in plate 99 are aligned with.the pins 105, and as the entire key assembly is pushed forwardly,against the pressure of the spring 101, the

stud 91 may be axially extended so that the lug may extend above thesurface 67. Then, it may be rotated and permitted to snap back in placein the groove 68 resting on the seats 72. This operation may beconducted prior to the bringing of the panels into adjacentrelationship. When the slot 82 becomes aligned with slot 68 on thecorresponding latch members, the key assembly is again pushed forwardly,causing an axial extension of the stud 91 and lug 93, the latter movingpast the surface 67, through slot 82 in latch 61, through the web slot83, and the stud may then be rotated by the nut 96 until the lug engagesthe face 106 of Web 36. All of the extension of the stud is against thepressure of spring 101, and consequently after the lug is seated on thesurface 106, the parts will be firmly yet resiliently held together. Inorder to increase or decrease the resilient holding force, it is onlynecessary to thread the adjustment nut 94 on the threaded shaft portion92 towards or away from the lug 93. Also, to insure a locking of the lugon the surface 106 and prevent accidental realignment of the lug withslot 83 and 82, there is provided a pair of dogs 108 on opposite sidesof slots 83 which are adapted to be engaged by opposed edge portions oflug 93 as the same is rotated into closing or locking position. In viewof the fact that the web 36 is preferably formed of aluminum, thefrictional force of lug 93 sliding across the same would unduly wearagainst the web face 106. Accordingly, as shown in the drawings, thedogs 108 extend from a wearing plate 109 disposed in a slot provided inWeb 36 with the exposed surface 110 thereof generally coplanar with thecorresponding web surface. The plate 109 is formed of steel or othermaterial harder than that of the web 36, so that as the spring loadedlug 93 is rotated, there will not be any undue wear on the web.

From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that any numberof panels may be attached together along any of the rails 28, 29, 31, or32.

With reference to FIGURE 11 in the drawings and as above explained, insome instances panels of different sizes may be secured together. Asshown in FIGURE 11, a number of individual panels 121, 122, 123, 124 andare shown in operative coplanar relationship to constitute the formassembly. However, it will be noted that the panel 125 is placedadjacent to panel 124 at a remote location from its uppermost right handcorner as viewed in the figure. In other words, the panel 125 which mayor may not be of the same size as panel 124 will not have its upper edgecoterminous with the upper edge of panel 124. Also, for example, thelower adjacent corners of panels 122 and 123 meet at a position otherthan the corners of subjacent panel 124. Consequently, the otherwisematching latch members 61 and 62 on such panels will not be disposed inconfronting relationship and consequently no locking between suchmembers is possible. Accordingly, as another important feature of thepresent invention, in order to provide for the use of such off-settingor use of different size panels, in addition to the slots 71 and 83provided in the web 36, there is also provided auxiliary slots 126 onthe web 36 which are aligned with slots 68 and 82 of the latch memberblocks. The arrangement of the slots is best illustrated in FIG- URE 2of the drawings, and they will be seen to be equally spaced from eachother and from the corresponding slots in the latch members so that forexample, with a one foot spacing between all the slots, and a 6 inchspacing between the latch block slot and the edges of the rails, a onefoot modular constructional system can be readily developed, theauxiliary slots 126 serving to receive the locking lug 93 of the lockelement 63. Thus, as shown in FIGURE 11, the latch member 62 of panel125 with a lock element 63 is arranged for operative connection with oneof the auxiliary slots 126 formed in panel 124.

While the system above described is extremely strong and resistant tonormal load deflections, in certain instances, particularly where a highconcrete pour rate is maintained at a low temperature, it may bedesirable to reinforce the connection between adjacent panels so as toinsure the maintenance of their coplanar relationship and likewiseprevent undue bowing or deflection of the panels. With particularreference to FIGURES 9 and 10 of the drawings, a pair of panels, such aspanels 122 and 124 are disclosed with lock means 63 maintaining thepanels in secured relation. Such lock means and the slots are not shownin FIGURE 9 for reasons of clarity. It will be noted that the latchmember on each rail is provided with an oppositely directed notch 133,and the purpose of such notch is to permit the insertion of an expandedhead portion 134 of a reinforcing member 136. The head portion 134 isadapted to be seated in the notches 133 of two sets of adjacent latchmembers, with a web 137 and similar expanded bottom portion 138 of thereinforcing member extending outwardly away from the facing of thepanels. In most instances, such reinforcing is not required but it is asimple manner to insert the same should such reinforcing be needed.

As will be understood, when adjacent panels are secured together, theform assembly is adapted to be placed in spaced relationship to asimilar assembly so as to provide a space therebetween in which theconcrete is poured. A typical example is illustrated in FIGURE 12wherein the first assembly 141 is shown in spaced relationship to asecond assembly 142 with a space existing therebetween. In order tomaintain the tvo assemblies in parallel spaced relationship, a tie rod,generally designated at 143 is utilized. This tie rod is of generallyconventional form and includes a center section 144 having threads ateach end, with each end of the rod adapted to threadedly engage aconically shaped member 146. The tie rod cones are adapted to engagecircular openings 147 provided in the rail sections. More particularly,it will be noted that the flange 38 of each of the rails is providedwith a plurality of semi-circular openings 149 (see FIGURE 1) along theperipheral edge thereof with a quarter-circular opening 151 at eachcorner. When two or more panels are brought into adjacent relationshipthe semi-circular or quarter circular apertures 149 and 151 willcooperate to define the circular aperture 147 through which the tie rodcone assembly extends. A shoulder 145 on the cone portion 146 is adaptedto engage the inner panel surfaces of adjacent panels around theapertures 147 with an end of a diametrically reduced cylindrical portion150 being seated against the flanges 38. The tie rods will thus maintainthe respective form assemblies in their spaced apart relationship, andprevent any inward movement. A threaded stud 153 extending outwardlyfrom the cone assembly past the outer flanges 37 is adapted to extendthrough suitable strongback or bracing 154. The stud 153 has a lughandle 156 at the outer edge thereof and adapted to cooperate with athreaded washer 157 positioned against the outer edge of the stud 154.This arrangement precludes outward movement of the panel assembly. Ifdesired, an O-ring may be provided on shoulder 145 to provide a sealagainst the panel. It will also be noted that stud 153 has a pair ofdiametrically opposed upset portions 158 to prevent accidental removalof the stud through the apertures in the rail members. However, as bestshown in FIGURE 13, the rail portions 38 and 39 are cut back to provideslot-like recesses 159 through which said portions may extend to permitmovement of the stud therethrough when required. Further, the stud 153is spaced from webs 36 so that it may be tilted when the spacedconfronting panel assemblies are not disposed in parallel relation.

The individual panels, as well as the entire form assembly may besupported on a sill, or other horizontal supporting surface and likewisemay be maintained in spaced relation to a vertically extending surfaceby means of the supporting member best shown in FIGURES 7 and 8 75 ofthe drawings. As illustrated, a base plate 161 is provided having acentral aperture 162 for receiving a stud 163. The stud at its other endcarries a block 164 provided with a T shaped outer end 166 which, asbest shown in FIGURE 1, is adapted to be slidably received in the T-shaped opening defined by the confronting grooves 76 and 84 and spacedsurfaces 77 and 86 of matching latch members. The outer flange 167 ofthe block fits within the aforesaid notches 76 and 84, the web 168thereof passes between the surfaces 77 and 86 of the block, and anotherflange 169 is adapted to engage the outer faces 172 and 173 of therespective latch members 61 and 62. It will be noted that the block 164is threadedly engageable with the stud 163 so that its position relativeto the base 161 may be selectively varied and consequently permits theengaged portion of the respective panels to be selectively moved forvertical or horizontal orientation. Likewise, the other end of the studis threadably engageable with the base 161 with an opposite type ofthread than that engaging the block. The base 161 may be provided withapertures 176 for attaching the base to a lower surface, a vertical woodfiller, or the like. It will be appreciated that the block may beinserted into the aforementioned slots of the latch members after thepanels are connected, and although such support members are illustratedonly in connection with a bottom support, these members can be equallywell used at the top or sides of the panels as conditions dictate. Inorder to prevent the block from sliding out from the T-shaped opening,web 36 is provided with holes 180 which will be disposed on the oppositetapered sides 181 of block 164 when the same is inserted. Nails or pinsmay then be inserted in such holes and thus restrain sliding movement ofthe block.

As shown in FIGURE 14, block 164 can likewise be used in connection withthe tie rod assembly at intersecting panel corners. In this instance,the shoulder 145 on the tie rod cone would engage the bearing surface183 adjacent the aperture 147 on one panel assembly 182, and the stud163 threadedly engaged with the cone portion 146 rather than the base161.

It also will be noted that the outer flanges 37 of the rails as well asthe similarly directed outer flanges on the reinforcing rails 41 areprovided with a slope so as to facilitate stripping of the members whereconcrete has been spilled adjacent thereto. The base 161 has a lowernotch 171 extending therethrough also adapted to permit passage of a tierod. The notch is not symmetrical, thereby permitting the tie rod to beangularly related to the general plane of the form assembly.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus of the character described comprising a generallyrectangular frame, said frame having a generally continuous coplanarperipheral inner flange lying in the general plane of said frame, apanel facing overlying said frame and secured to the exposed surface ofsaid flange and substantially coterminous therewith, a generallycontinuous web extending normally from other surface of said flange frominwardly of the outermost peripheral edge of said flange, and cooperatelatch members fixedly mounted on the outer surfaces of said web andconfined within the periphery of said flange and adapted for releasablysecuring adjacent panels together.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which at least one of said latchmembers is provided on a web on each of the sides of the panel.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which complementary latchmembers are utilized with a pair of such latch members provided on eachside of the panel and arranged in alternate succession along theperimeter of the panel.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which the thickness of saidlatch members corresponds to the distance between said web and saidflange edge whereby when two frames are brought into edge to edgeabutting relationship, confronting latch members and confronting flangeedges on said frames will be disposed in contiguous relationship, saidlatch members and said webs all having aligned apertures when saidframes are brought together and adapted to receive a lock member.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4 including resilient lock meansextendible through said latch members and said webs for securingconfronting latch members of adjacent frames together, said lock meansapplying resilient pressure for holding said frames together.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said flange is providedwith at least one semicircular aperture at each edge thereof and adaptedto be aligned with a corresponding aperture of an adjacent panel so asto define a circular opening when the flanges are brought into abuttingrelationship, and a tie rod assembly having a bearing portion thereonengageable with said abutting flanges adjacent said circular opening.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 6 in which said assembly includes aconical element having a transverse shoulder adapted to bear againstsaid panel facing and a cylindrical extension extending through saidcircular opening.

8. A panel of the character described comprising a frame of rectangularconfiguration, said frame having a substantially continuous flangeextending along the periphery thereof and a normally related webdisposed normal to said flange and inwardly of the outermost edge of theflange, a continuous panel facing overlying said flange and securedthereto, a first stationary latch member on the outer surface of saidweb on each side of said frame and having its outermost surface portionsubstantially cotcrniinous with the outermost edge of said flange, saidlatch member including a slot through which a lock key may be insertedfor connecting adjacent panels together, and said web having slots inalignment with and complemcntary to said latch member slots.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 8 including a lock member having anend lug of complementary shape to said latch member and web slots, saidlug being adapted to be inserted through said slots and rotated so as toposition said lug in bisecting relationship to said slot on the surfaceof the web remote from said latch member.

16'. A form system including a pair of panels releasably securedtogether and having a generally T-shaped groove provided betweenconfronting edges of the adjacent panels and extending normal to thepanel facings, a block member having a T-shap ed lug adapted to beinserted in said groove and retained therein while permitting slidingmovement thereof along the length of the groove but resisting movementin normaly related direction, a base member, and means for connectingand selectively varying the spacing between said block member and saidbase member.

11. A system as set forth in claim 16 in which means are provided forreleasably retaining said block member against said sliding movement.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim in which said last named meansincludes a threaded stud, and a tie rod conical element having acylindrical portion extending from the back of said element andinternally threaded to receive said stud.

13. A form asembly including a frame member having a generallycontinuous coplanar flange against which a panel face is secured, a webextending normally to said flange and spaced inwardly from the outermostedge thereof, a pair of latch blocks on said web with the outermostsurface portions thereof generally coterminous and coplanar with theperipheral edge of said flange, said blocks and the correspondingportions of said web having slots therethrough, a spring loaded lockmember extending through said slots, said blocks further having notchescut from said blocks adjacent said flange, and a reinforcing memberhaving an enlarged head portion slidably received in a pair of notcheson confronting blocks when a pair of members are disposed in adjacent.relation.

14. A form assembly comprising a pair of panels disposed in edge to edgeadjacent relationship and each including a planar facing with therespective confronting peripheral edges in substantial abuttingrelationship, each of said panels having a web extending normal to thefacing and spaced inwardly from said edge thereof whereby webs onadjacent panels are disposed in spaced relation, each of said panelsfurther having a latch member on the exposed surface of said Web, one ofsaid latch members including a slot extending through said Web, theother of said latch members including a pair of normally related. slotswith only one of such slots extending through said web, and a lockmember including a lug shaped complementary to said slots and a studextending therefrom and adapted to secure confronting latch members ofadjacent panels together.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 14 in which said lock memberincludes a plate adapted to be inserted against the surface of a webopposite to the latch carried thereon, spring means normally urging saidlug towards said plate, and means for selectively varying the springpressure.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15 in which said web is providedwith similar slots along the length thereof in spaced relation to saidlatch members.

A form panel comprising a frame of rectangular configuration, said framehaving a substantialy continuous flange extending along the peripherythereof and a normally related web disposed normal to said flange andinwardly of the outermost edge of the flange, a continuous panel facinoverlying said flange and secured thereto and substantially coterminouswith said outermost edge of the flange, a first stationary latch memberon the outer surface or" said web along each side of the frame, a secondstationary latch member disposed in spaced relationship to said firstlatch member on the outer surface of said web along each side of saidframe, one of said latch members having a pair of normally related slotsextending therethrough, the associated web of said one latch memberhaving an opening therethrough in registry with one of said slots, theother of said latch members having a slot therethrough and itsassociated Web member having a slot in registration therewith, and aspring loaded lock element adapted to pass through said slot, said lockelement having a locking lug adapted to bear against the surface of oneof said webs after passing through said latch members for retaining saidlatch members and frames in continguous adjacent relationship.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,549,607 8/1925 Pulis 249-1,552,334 9/1925 Mosher.

1,807,943 6/1931 Sutton 249-47 X 1,970,547 8/1934 Anderson 249-216 X2,297,899 10/ 1942 Krueger 249-45 3,103,730 9/1963 Carlton 249-453,123,887 3/1964 Boettner 249-192 3,204,918 9/1965 Bonin et al 249-196 X3,241,802 3/1966 Lawrence 249-192 3,292,893 12/1966 Williams 249-191 XWILLIAM J. STEPHENSON, Primary Examiner.

I. SPENCER OVERHOLSER, Examiner.

